Big Rock tournament is sued over disqualification

Citation seeks to overturn decision that cost it $912,000

MOREHEAD CITY -- Two lawsuits have been filed over the $900,000 in prize money for a record-breaking marlin caught and then disqualified in a North Carolina fishing tournament.

The owners of the boat Citation sued in their home, Dare County, seeking to prevent the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament from awarding the top prize money.

The tournament's board of directors then went to court in Carteret County, seeking a judgment to confirm the disqualification of the 883-pound blue marlin the Citation brought in June 14. The board wants to award the money to the boat Carnivore as the 2010 winner.

The Citation was disqualified when tournament officials learned the boat's mate did not have a North Carolina fishing license as required when it landed the record-breaking marlin